Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) “Tapaswini” or “Muskroot” is considered non-substitutable for its calming and rejuvenating characteristics. It is particularly used for promoting sound mental health, sleep, and the nervous system.
Following are the details of Jatamansi according to Ayurveda:
Botanical Description and Habitat
Jatamansi is a native perennial herb of the Himalayas. It grows at an elevation ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 meters above sea level and is distributed in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Flowers are pink to pale purple, containing the medicinal importance, mainly of the rhizome part of the plant.
Taste and Energy
It has a taste of Bitter and Astringent with cold in potency, with a predominant sweet post-digestive effect. It majorly alleviates the Vata and Pitta Doshas.
Medicinal Properties and Uses
Calming and Sedative: Jatamansi is well known for keeping the mind and body quiet. It lowers down anxiety, stress, and restlessness, which makes it a useful herb for a person with insomnia or any other type of sleep disorder.
Nervine Tonic: It helps support the nervous system and improve cognitive functions, memory, and mental clarity. Jatamansi is useful in managing conditions like epilepsy, hysteria, and convulsions.
Rejuvenative (Rasayana): Jatamansi is considered a rejuvenative herb that supports overall vitality and longevity. It helps in regenerating tissues and promoting a youthful appearance.
Anti-inflammatory: It is useful in the inflammatory reducing process and can be used in conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
Cardiovascular Health: It reduces hypertension and provides healthy circulation.
Digestive Health: It aids in digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes and improving nutrient absorption. Jatamansi is used to manage digestive issues such as indigestion and bloating.
Skin Health: Jatamansi helps in treating various skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It promotes healthy, glowing skin and is often used in skincare formulations.
Ayurvedic Formulations
Jatamansi is incorporated in many Ayurvedic formulations, such as churnas (powders), capsules, tablets, oils, and decoctions. Here, in formulations, it is combined with many other herbs to potentiate its therapeutic activity. The general formulations available are:
Jatamansi Powder: It is the powder form of the herb jatamansi for mental health and nervous support.
Jatamansi Oil: Used as a hair oil to promote hair growth, and it is also massaged on the head to calm the mind.
Jatamansi Capsules/Tablets: These are the standardized extracts of the herb helpful in stress relief and for support in cognitive functions.
Traditional Uses
According to traditional Ayurvedic practice, Jatamamsi is employed for a wider variety of disorders than those already noted herein. It is also advocated for general vitalizing, diuretic and long-life-promoting purposes and is almost always included in rasayanas (rejuvenative therapies) for health promotion and in situational weakness or postdisease-state rehabilitation.
Jatamansi is generally considered to be safe within recommended doses. High oral doses have been reported to cause gastrointestinal disturbances. Pregnant, nursing women and people with pre-existing medical conditions should consult with a physician before consuming Jatamansi.
Overall, jatamansi or muskroot is an herb highly thought of in Ayurveda, especially for its calming, rejuvenating, and nervine tonic influences. Its bitter savory and astringent flavor tones, coupled with its cooling properties, are good for balancing the Vata and Pitta doshas. Used properly, jatamansi could be a very potent medicine for mental health, resulting in reduced stress and the promotion of a high quality of life according to Ayurvedic principles.